As described in The Columbian on Oct. 13, the Columbia River bridge project has long been plagued by infighting and delays. Now, despite new pledges to move the project forward, it may take decades.
To accelerate things, let’s liberate the rail transit issue from the bridge issue. Build a transit-only tunnel under the river. Engineering and construction will be relatively straightforward, with minimal environmental impacts. Further, the project will benefit from ongoing advances in tunneling technology.
Anti-rail interests say that Clark County doesn’t yet have the population density to support rail. This is backward reasoning. Build a transit line before density reaches critical mass. Rail transit helps to concentrate development, which also helps to preserve rural enclaves. Bringing a MAX line into Vancouver will set the stage for Clark County to plan and direct a local rail network.
Nationwide, forward-looking cities and regions are initiating or expanding rail systems. Examples include Denver, Houston, Austin, Twin Cities, Phoenix, San Diego, the Bay Area, and Honolulu. They recognize that people across the economic spectrum — and employers — see rail transit as a requisite amenity. Clark County cannot afford to be left behind.
